The Imo Youth for Democracy has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the National leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress to restore victories of Senator Hope Uzodinma in the last gubernatorial primaries.
Reacting in a statement sent to DAILY POST in Abuja on Thursday, President of the group, Comrade John Duru said the cancellation of the primaries that produced Hope Uzodinma was credible enough to be sustained.
The group noted that the ruling APC would lose Imo State if anything contrary was done.
“It’s scandalous for the NWC to order another primary when a clear winner has already emerged.”
The statement reads further, “After the exercise that lasted to the wee hours of Tuesday, chairman of the primary committee in the state, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak declared Uzodimma winner with 423, 895 votes while the Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere scored 128, 325 votes to come second.”
“Alhaji Gulak told journalists that he escaped being abducted by Gov Okorocha who had earlier kidnapped six members of the committee including the secretary.”
“The announcement of the result elicited wide jubilation across the state ahead of the main election next year with many citizens openly opposing the imposition of the governor’s son-in-law as his successor.”
The group insisted that they will not accept any attempt by the NWC of APC to align with Gov. Okorocha to impose his son-in-law as the APC candidate against the choice of the people.
They wondered why the NWC should ignore the weighty allegations of kidnapping leveled against the governor, and decide instead to scuttle the wishes of the majority.
According to the group, “What happened as regards the APC’s primaries is a true reflection of the feelings of Imo people who are tired of Rochas’ lies and deceit”.
“What we want to tell APC is that they should not tamper with Uzodimma’s victory. Anybody remotely linked with Okorocha will not win in Imo State”, he said.
They commended the state’s Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere for accepting the result of the primaries and described him as a statesman and principled politician who wants the best in the state.
They said Senator Uzodimma has displayed courage and dogged struggle in freeing Imo from the “despotic regime of Okorocha.
